A group of protesters yesterday marched from Katutura to Zoo Park in town to deliver a petition calling for the nationalisation of mineral resources while also demanding ownership of Namibian land and banks.
The Black People Economic Emancipation Association mobilised the protest, headed by activists Michael Amushelelo and Dimbulukeni Nauyoma.
In the petition, the protestors demanded the immediate amendment of Article 16(2) of the Constitution of Namibia to make provision for the expropriation of property without compensation, particularly land, for equitable redistribution in the interest of the Namibian people.
“We are here as people who have been rejected by the system. If Namibia won independence as claimed by the freedom fighters, why is it that whites still own the majority of the land in our country?” asked Amushelelo.
He said mineral resources must be nationalised, especially the mines, so that the wealth of the country is shared equally among all Namibians, and simultaneously called for the beneficiation and processing of all the natural mineral resources for
the establishment of new industries and employment-creation opportunities for Namibians.
The beneficiation should happen in the communities where the minerals are found.
The group thus demanded that parliament reverts by 22 November 2022, and if it is not a favourable response, they will continue protesting daily, making it a nuisance until the lawmakers realise that if not everybody in the country can benefit from the country’s resources, dire consequences will follow. He said “the truth is, our freedom fighters sold us out for their selfishness. It is only the political elite and well-connected who are enjoying our country’s wealth. They get all the lucrative government
tenders, fishing quotas, ministerial positions, exploration mining licences, and farms.”
Another demand was aimed at the youth ministry’s funding to be increased to N$2 billion per annum, and for that to be allocated to youth entrepreneurship for the development and creation of employment.
“I got 32 points in grade 12, a C in English, A in Mathematics, Agriculture and Physical Science; you can ask me any science-related question, I can answer. I scored 38 points in grade 10, but I am just in the streets. Sometimes I think I am bewitched. I am forever crying because of joblessness; why?” asked a fuming Ruben. The accounting officer of the National Assembly, Lydia Kandetu, received the petition. She said parliament belongs to all Namibians, and they are more than welcome to air their grievances at any time.
“This document is going to parliament, and there is a rule that says every person is allowed, when you are aggrieved, to go and take your issues to parliament. You have voted for the parliamentarians, who are going to look into your request,” she added.
The group then went to the Bank of Namibia before heading to the Namibian Stock Exchange and the mines ministry, where they also delivered petitions. Speaker of the National Assembly Peter Katjivivi acknowledged receiving the petition of the aggrieved group in parliament yesterday, adding that it will be submitted to the relevant standing committee to form the basis for the
decision of each case highlighted therein.